Canonical has introduced the next step in Ubuntu’s expansion beyond the desktop, Ubuntu for Android. Although the name suggests it could be an OS within an app (mind boggling), it’s actually a concept device that brings a full desktop PC experience and functionality to the smartphone use. In short, it’s a smartphone that can be used as a full desktop PC.
The device will be demoed for the first time at Mobile World Congress next week. It’s the latest example of Canonical’s plan to bring Ubuntu to a wider range of devices, first announced by Mark Shuttleworth in October, and follows closely on the heels of the Ubuntu TV demo device shown at CES is January.
A device running Ubuntu for Android will enable users to access and manage their mobile data, contacts and apps as usual on a mobile device running the Android OS. However, plug the device into a docking (with access to a keyboard and monitor) and Ubuntu for Android launches a full fat desktop version of Ubuntu – complete with full desktop applications and interface.
Aside from consumer appeal, according to Canonical, the device offers handset manufacturers an opportunity to fully exploit the capabilities of the multi-core ARM processors that are increasingly commonplace in smartphones from a range of manufacturers using Android as the mobile OS of choice.
It’s early days, but Canonical is already well into discussions with hardware manufacturers about bringing a fully fledged version to market in the not too distant future.
Disclosure: My company, Racepoint, is Canonical’s PR consultancy.
